Can you touch the sides of a tent?
Your family has probably been asking to get away from home for a vacation. You can do this even if you are on the tightest budget. Camping could be the answer to your problems. Below, you will find some tips that will make your camping experience as enjoyable as possible.
A great item to put in your camping backpack when going in the back country is a Ziploc bag filled with dryer lint. There is no better fire starting material than dryer lint. It will hold a spark and get your fire going quickly and efficiently. Dryer lint takes up almost no space in your pack and is very light weight.
Bring a plastic garbage bag and put all of you family's dirty laundry in it. This keeps the items from mixing in with your clean clothing. It also makes things convenient for you when you return home. You can simply dump out the bag in your washing machine and begin working on it all immediately.
Navigation is the key when it comes to camping. It is important to know where you are, and how to get back to civilization if you become lost. Always bring a map of the area, and a compass to help you. You can also use an outdoor GPS that will give you navigation information, as well as additional information such as altitude.
While camping, cook easy dinners like "hobo stew". Simply bring potatoes, ground meat, and veggies. Cut the veggies and potatoes at your campsite. Using tinfoil like a bowl, put the ingredients inside and fold the foil over until the food is covered. Place foil on hot rocks or the coals of the campfire, and eventually you will have a tasty "stew".
Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you're going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.
A tent needs to be the proper size for all people staying in it. This will ensure comfort while inside the tent.
One thing that many people forget to pack on a camping trip, and which quickly turns the trip into a nightmare is bug spray. This simple repellent will save you both annoyance and can protect your health as many types of bugs can do a great deal of damage to you quickly.
A great tip for anyone that is going camping is to take plenty of water. In this case, there is absolutely no such thing as too much water. Plan out how much water you will need and then try and at least double the amount just to be on the safe side.
When traveling to your camping destination, plan on stopping and having a meal when you're near the campground, but before you actually arrive. Being well fed before arriving will ease frustrations if the campground is full, or if it takes longer to get your gear set up. Use this break to discuss your plans and to remind everyone of how to remain safe!
Avoid severe weather when going camping, and pay attention to forecasts. It is horrible trying to pitch a tent in the rain, and not much fun sitting in a tent during a rainstorm. It is equally as disturbing approaching a muddy campsite and trying to make a weekend out of it.
During a camping trip, try to go swimming at some point. You are probably going to miss the shower you have at home while camping. The coolness of the water will help you feel cleaner and more refreshed, so you won't miss your shower as much as you thought you might!
If you don't like to drink water, you will be in real trouble on a long camping trip. Water is essential to staying hydrated, so if you really hate the taste, purchase some one-use lemonade and add it to bottles of water. This will keep you hydrated throughout your adventure.
Make sure you secure all sources of food at night when you go to sleep. There are many animals that can frequent campgrounds at night and scavenge your food, especially when left open and unattended for hours. You don't want to wake up to your food scattered everywhere, and you left with a shortage.
Put all of your food and toiletries away at night. If you are camping where you are parked, store them in a locked vehicle. Otherwise, gather it all up in a bag and hand it several dozen feet off the ground waterproofing canvas tent and away from your tent. Animals might want to investigate the scents at night, and you do not want them bothering either the bag or your campsite.
If Fido is coming with your on your camping trip, don't forget his leash. Many folks are scared of dogs. It is essential to respect the feelings of your fellow campers. Additionally, your dog may cause damage to the property of someone else if left untethered and unsupervised.
Be mindful of where exactly you put up your camp. You want to avoid things like wasp's nest, ant hills and things of that nature. Make sure that everyone wears long sleeved clothing if you camp near abundant vegetation, to minimize poison and insect issues. Also, carry insect repellent.
Use an old shower curtain as a camping tarp. The next time you switch out your shower curtain, save the old one and you can use it when you go camping. Tarps, or old shower curtains can be used for many things. You can put it under your tent or use it to keep you dry should it rain.
When you go camping, you take a break from the conveniences of modern life. Whereas many find this appealing, some might be a bit understandably apprehensive. Think through all of your camping trip ideas before you go out on your adventure. This article gave you plenty of tips, so keep them in mind!